The modular design of the CFL large 2.5" large format refractor focuser makes it very versatile. Just pick the options you need in these 4 categories: Flange, Drawtube, Focus knob/motor, and Color.

We offer everything from our heavy duty tri-knob reduction unit with shaft lock system to different types of motor options for both visual or imaging configurations. Our "High Res" stepper motor options use PC based interfaces, providing automated focus ability running todays ASCOM software. Different draw tube travels and configurations are availible. Our collimatable mounting flanges provide flexibility for achieving perfect mechanical centerline collimation should the need arise. Custom anodized colors and custom flange machining (by request) make for a perfect custom focuser to match your refractor.

Flanges:

MoonLite manufactures many flanges that fit a variety of different refractors, plus we machine custom flanges for any size telescope by request. Please use the pull down menu to select the flange located at the bottom of this page.

All current CLF flanges feature a 2 piece rotating flange design with a lock knob providing camera angle adjustment. It consist of an upper flange part and a lower flange part on a rotatable radial dove tail design. The upper flange part bolts on to the focuser body with 3 bolts and contains the twin dove tail finders. The lower flange part has the threads/ bolt pattern that matches the refractors OTA and connects in to the upper flange. The thickness and diameter of the lower flange is designed for the telescope it is to be installed on. This 2 part rotating flange system provides collimation ability using a simple 3-point push pull bolt/setscrew arraignment. Please note all focusers are factory collimated dead on before we ship them, and do not require any adjustment. The only time collimation should be changed is if the OTA has some kind of defect causing the focuser to set slanted on the tube. In this case the focuser's collimation ability would come in handy to correct the mechanical centerline collimation of the OTA in question. Flanges can be swapped on the bottom of the focuser so it will fit different refractor. Bottom Flanges are sold separately for $95.

• The AR5 flange fits multiple refractors under many brand names such as Meade, Antaries, Sky Watcher, etc. The correct drawtube for this scope is the 4.5" travel comp ring drawtube.

• The AR6 flange fits multiple refractors under many brand names such as Meade, Antaries, Sky Watcher, etc. The correct drawtube for this scope is the 4.5" travel comp ring drawtube.

• The Astro Physics 6" flange fits older AP 6" refractors using a 3 bolt pattern. See flange chart for exact size specs. The correct drawtube for this scope is the 4.5" travel comp ring drawtube.

• The Astro Physics 12StarED flange fits older AP refractors using 4.8" thread pattern. See flange chart for exact size specs. The correct drawtube for this scope is the 4.5" travel comp ring drawtube.

• The AT 90/ AT102 / AT111 flange is threaded to fit all three AT refractors that use this thread size. See flange chart for exact size specs. The correct drawtube for this scope is the 4.5" travel comp ring drawtube.

• The AT 106 flange is threaded to fit just the AT106 refractor. The correct drawtube for this scope is the 4.5" travel comp ring drawtube.

• The AT 106LE flange is threaded to fit just the AT106 LE "Limited Edition" refractor. The correct drawtube for this scope is the 4.5" travel comp ring drawtube.

• The Coronado 90 flange fits the old and new versions of Coronado 90 OTA. It is a large tall flange. The correct drawtube for this scope is the 4.5" travel comp ring drawtube.

• The ED 127 flange fits all of the modern 127 scopes under different names such as AT127, Explorer Scientific 127, Meade 127ED, M42 optics 127, and many others. The correct drawtube for this scope is the 4.5" travel comp ring drawtube.

• The Meade APO flange is a smooth bore style flange with 3 mounting bolts 120 degrees apart. This flange fits the older 4" 5", 6", and 7" Meade APOs made in the 90s. The correct drawtube for this scope is the 4.5" travel comp ring drawtube.

• The Orion 110 ED flange fits the Orion 110 ED OTA. The correct drawtube for this scope is the 4.5" travel comp ring drawtube.

• The Orion 110 Premium flange fits the Orion 110 Premium OTA. The correct drawtube for this scope is the 4.5" travel comp ring drawtube.

• The Synta 3 bolt flange fits many refactors that use the 3 bolt synta standard. Just be sure the refractor is larger enough to handle this larger 2.5" format focuser. The correct drawtube for this scope is the 4.5" travel comp ring drawtube. See flange chart for exact size specs and list of refractors that use this size.

• The TAK FS102/TSA102/TOA130NS flange is a threaded version with a mini set screw to lock the flange on to the OTA once it is installed. It fits the FS102 , TSA102, and TOA130NS. The upper flange part has tapped holes supporting the original TAK finder. The correct drawtube for this scope is either the 4.5" travel comp ring Drawtube or the 4.5" travel TAK thread drawtube. The MoonLite's drawtube TAK thread size matches the original TAK drawtube threads so all TAK accessories will work with this drawtube.

• The TAK FS128 flange is a large threaded flange to fit the TAK FS128 OTA. The upper flange part has tapped holes supporting the original TAK finder. The correct drawtube for this scope is either the 4.5" travel comp ring Drawtube or the 4.5" travel TAK thread drawtube. The MoonLite's drawtube TAK thread size matches the original TAK drawtube threads so all TAK accessories will work with this drawtube.

• The TAK FS152 flange is a large threaded flange to fit the TAK FS152 OTA. The upper flange part has tapped holes supporting the original TAK finder. The correct drawtube for this scope is either the 4.5" travel comp ring Drawtube or the 4.5" travel TAK thread drawtube. The MoonLite's drawtube TAK thread size matches the original TAK drawtube threads so all TAK accessories will work with this drawtube.

• The Tele Vue flange fits large Tele Vue refractors that have the 2.5" format focuser such as the NP101 and NP127. Twin tapped finder locations is provided on the upper flange side of the flange. See flange chart for exact thread size and pitch. The correct drawtube for TV is the 3" travel comp ring drawtube.

• The Vixen threaded flange fits all Vixen OTAs that use the standard Vixen thread such as the 102, 103, 114, 115 and many others up to and including the 140na. Please pick the 4.5" travel Vixen style drawtube as it comes with adadpters to supports all of the Vixen accessories for free.

• The Vixen 3 bolt flange is a bolts on to older Vixen OTAs that use the old 3 bolt mounting style such as the 102 and older Celestron 102s made by Vixen. Please pick the 4.5" travel Vixen style drawtube as it comes with adadpters to supports all of the Vixen accessories.

• The WO 110 Megrez flange is threaded to fit the WO 110 Megrez / Zenith Star OTAs. Twin tapped holes are located on the upper flange to provide remounting of the original WO finder brackets. See flange chart for exact thread size and pitch, as there are many 110 variations. The correct drawtube for this scope is the 4.5" travel comp ring drawtube.

• The WO 110 FLT early flange is threaded to fit the WO 110 FLT early OTAs. Twin tapped holes are located on the upper flange to provide remounting of the original WO finder brackets. See flange chart for exact thread size and pitch, as there are many 110 variations. The correct drawtube for this scope is the 4.5" travel comp ring drawtube.

• The WO 110 FLT-TMB flange is threaded to fit the WO 110 FLT-TMB OTAs. Twin tapped holes are located on the upper flange to provide remounting of the original WO finder brackets. See flange chart for exact thread size and pitch, as there are many 110 variations. The correct drawtube for this scope is the 4.5" travel comp ring drawtube.

• The WO 132 FLT flange fits the large WO 132 FLT OTA. Twin tapped holes are located on the upper flange to provide remounting of the original WO finder brackets. The correct drawtube for this scope is the 4.5" travel comp ring drawtube.

• Please check the OTA's focuser mounting opening against our flange chart.

• Custom Flanges - Moonlite can machine a custom flange to fit your OTA. The cost is normally around $50 for flanges up to 4" and $100 for flanges up to 8" in diameter. Custom machining normally takes a few weeks. Please contact us for a quote and anticipated turnaround time.

The profile of the CFL focuser depends on the flange installed. The flange thickness is designed to make the CFL focuser mimic the focusers profile it is to replace.

The CFL focuser's lower flanges can be swapped easily allowing it to be installed on to different OTAs. CFL flanges are sold separately for $95 and can be ordered here: MoonLite CFL Replacement Flanges .

Draw tubes:

MoonLite offers many different drawtube configurations for the 2.5" large format CFL model refractor focusers. Please use the pull down menu, located at the bottom of this page, to select your drawtube. Please Note - all drawtube Brass compression ring style or 68mm threaded style include both a 2" adapter and a 1 1/4" adapter. Other adapter can be purchased separately such as a T-thread adapter, STL- thread adapter, SCT-thread adapter, etc.

MoonLite's 2.5" format compression ring drawtubes use a 3 thumbscrew design providing for heavy load capacity. MoonLite makes a wide range of adapters for the 2.5" format drawtubes.

• Standard 4.5" travel 3 thumbscrew compression ring drawtube. The 4.5" travel version is the popular choice for most refractors, as it provides a triditional amount of travel with out making the drawtube excessively long. Both 2" and 1 1/4" adapters are included with the focuser when this drawtube is picked.

• Short 3" travel 3 thumbscrew compression ring drawtube.. This shorter version drawtube is for short fast refractors that have very large CCD chips and don't want the drawtube to clip the light path when racked fully in. Both 2" and 1 1/4" adapters are included with the focuser when this drawtube is picked.

• The Vixen drawtube is a special version of the 4.5" travel version above. This special configuration provides 2 special adapters that allow the stock Vixen field flattener to be installed inside the drawtube, providing a 2" format for your EPs. We also include a 1 1/4" adapter.

• 4.5" travel TAK thread drawtube. This drawtube has the TAK FS102/TSA102/TOA130NS female thread in the top of the drawtube. It supports all TAK accessories. No adapter come with this drawtube option, customers would use their existing TAK adapters.

• 68mm threaded 4.5" travel drawtube. The best pick for heavy imaging loads. Just thread in the appropriate adapter in to the top of the drawtube for your particular mounting needs.

• 68mm threaded 3.0" travel drawtube. Shorter drawtube option for customers that may want to keep the drawtube length to a minimum as to not clip the light path with the end of the drawtube when racked fully in. This threaded version is the best pick for heavy imaging loads. Just thread in the appropriate adapter in to the top of the drawtube for your particular mounting needs.

Customers requiring heavy load capacity or a permanent configuration can pick our new 68mm threaded drawtube option. It provides a very rigid, no sag solution for imagers using heavy loads. The 2.5" format drawtube has a female 68mm x 1mm female thread in the top allowing any of our matching 68mm threaded tops to be installed. A 2" 3-thumbscrew brass comp ring adapter and a 1.25" brass comp ring adapter automaticly come with the threaded drawtube option. However, we also make other thread-in 68mm male thread adapters such as a T-thread adapter, STL-thread adapter, SCT-thread adapter.

Focus:

MoonLite has many knob and motor configurations. Our reduction systems and motor options are integrated into the focuser at the time of assembly. It is important to pick the correct configuration at the time of purchase as adding options, "such as a motor" requires sending the focuser to us for the upgrade. Please note: Motor options replace the standard reduction unit, so a $100 credit off any motor option is calculated when ordering (i.e.- a $150.00 DC motor option will only cost $50.00 on a CFL focuser due to replacing the standard reduction unit). Please use the pull down menu located at the bottom of this page to select the configuration you need.

• Standard -The standard CFL comes with our heavy-duty 1.5" Tri-knob option. It is a dual rate (2 speed) configuration using our extremely smooth 8 to 1 reduction unit. It uses large 1.5" OD knobs and has both a coarse and a fine knob on one side and a coarse on the other. The larger tri-knob option is a heavy-duty version of the regular dual rate system found on our smaller CF focusers and has increased lifting capacity to 6 lbs. This is a good choice for a large refractor or heavy loads. The fine focus adjustment knob is on the right by default, but can be made a lefty if needed.

• Tri-knob w/Lock ($25) - The Tri-knob with LOCK knob option adds the shaft lock system to the coarse side. The shaft lock option uses a unique mini brass compression ring clamp sub system that allows the user to lock the shaft with out deflecting the drawtube. This type of focus lock is much better then the old "thumb screw against the draw tube" style that would shift the image when pressed against the draw tube. The shaft lock ability along with the 6 lb heavy-duty reduction unit make this option ideal for heavy demanding loads for both visual and imaging requirements. The fine knob is on the right by default, but can be made a lefty if needed.

• DC Servo Motor ($50) - The DC servo motor option provides fully adjustable speed control using the best hand controller on the market today. Rigel Systems battery operated multi speed controller, along with our DC gear head motor system make a great combination for visual or imaging use. The DC motor option gives the focuser a 8 lb lifting capacity rating. See link below for additional motor information.

• The High Resolution Stepper motor - "Stand alone option" provides extremely fine focus resolution required by today's high-end CCD imaging platforms. It provides a 8 lb load capacity once installed on a CFL focuser. It gives the focuser great repeatability and automated focus ability for today's imaging requirements. The High Res Stepper motor features an adjustable slip clutch system that allows both motor and manual focus at the same time. A 9pin DBA standard pin out is followed, so it will work with ROBO focus controllers and other controllers that follow the typical unipolar stepper motor wiring. It is Pin for Pin compatible with Robo focus controller. We offer 2 different controllers in the next selection if you do not have an existing controller available. See Motor Focus link below for more information. this stand alone stepper motor option is only $190 (you provide the controller).

• The High Res Stepper motor with MoonLite mini controller includes a bare bones ASCOM Compliant Controller along with the Stepper motor. Besides ASCOM drivers, we also provide an Non ASCOM software program for customers that are not running ASCOM based programs and need a basic program to operate the focuser on a PC. Works great for a simple remote focus solution. The MoonLite mini controller features temp compensation and all features of our high end DRO display controller, but does not have the Display or Manual buttons. You must use a PC to operate the stepper motor with this mini controller. It uses a USB connection to your PC and runs of standard 12 volt DC. We include a AC adapter with all of the universal plugs so it will work in any country. The 8 lb load rating and precise focus ability make this a good configuration for permanent or remote imaging platforms. The lower cost of the mini controller $195 makes this a good pick if no manual buttons or display near the scope is needed. The stepper motor with mini controller option cost only $385. See Motor Focus link below for more information.

• High Resolution Stepper motor with MoonLite 2-speed DRO display controller is a high end fully ASCOM Compliant option. This new moonlite controller is best for both Visual and PC operation due to its 2 speed buttons and full DRO display. It has a fine and fast set of buttons with a full DRO position read out on the display that shows the exact step count position just like in the software of your favorite ASCOM imaging program. This controller also works with our Non ASCOM program if needed. The controller has temp compensation, digital display for temp, position, voltage, operating modes, etc, plus manual buttons for stand alone use. The controller can use both Serial and USB connectivity to your PC (will auto sense). The 8 lb load rating and extreme precise focus ability at .00008" resolution and repeatability make this the ultimate configuration for permanent or remote imaging platforms. This controller/ stepper motor option is recommended for both PC and hand held manual operation due to the controllers design. Comes with universal 12 volt AC adapter for all countries and a 6 foot USB cable. See link below for more information on this controller. $685 for the Stepper motor and DRO display controller option.

The amount of slip can be adjusted on the new slip clutch by adjusting the tightness of the slip clutch ring. For manual knob operation of the focuser, turn the silver knurled ring loose. For motor operation of the focuser, tighten the silver knurled ring.

To adjust the knurled rings tension, it helps to hold the manual knob still with your right hand and turn the clutch ring with your left hand. Holding the manual knob in place will keep the shaft from turning allowing the clutch ring to tighten / loosen the clutch.

Note: No damage will be done if the focuser motor continues to run past the mechanical stops of the drawtubes travel. Even if the clutch is tight, it will simply slip when the travel runs out.

• Motor Focus Options

• Lifting Capacity: The drawtube pressure can be adjusted to each user’s preference. Increasing the pressure increases the load capacity (vertical lifting capacity) of the focuser. Decreasing the pressure lowers the load capacity but gives the focuser a smoother focusing action. We set the focuser at approximately 6 lbs. at time of assembly; however, you can adjust it to be less or more depending on your specific needs. The ideal setting is to have it adjusted so the focuser can hold the heaviest load presented without slipping and requiring no additional force. This will give the focuser the best feel and still provide the vertical lifting capacity required.

  To adjust - turn the aluminum thumbscrew located between the two setscrews on the bottom of the focuser CW to increase load capacity. The aluminum thumbscrew can only add pressure, not take away pressure. This is due to the 2 setscrews on each side of the thumbscrew applying a minimum set pressure amount. In some rare cases, it may be necessary to do a coarse adjustment by turning the 2 setscrews located on each side of the aluminum thumbscrew (1/8 allen wrench) a very small amount. Normally, 1/20 of a turn or less should be made on the setscrews in a CW direction, then check the lifting capacity pressure by racking the drawtube up and down.

• Collimation: To adjust collimation, turn the 4 mini setscrews located in the top part of the 2-part flange. A small amount of tip/tilt (.015 max) can be made by adjusting the setscrews. We collimate each focuser before shipping it so no adjustment should be required; however, if collimation is required due to some sort of visual back defect when the focuser is installed, then the tip/tilt ability will come in handy. Please Note: rotating the focuser will throw off collimation reference once the flange is tilted off plane so please do not collimate the focuser off center line unless it is absolutely necessary to fix a gross error in the OTA.

Colors:

Choose a custom anodized C O L O R at no extra charge.